When purchasing my second microwave oven, the considerations were - price, size and power rating.
PRICE ~~~~~
The price of this Hinari Lifestyle microwave oven was £24.99 (02/05/2004) on special offer at Tesco Extra. I had already seen the same appliance at a local Curry's Store for £34.99
SIZE ~~~~
Outside dimensions - 295 x 458 x 370 mm - ideal for limited kitchen workspace.
Inside dimensions - 206 x 300 x 284 mm - Ok it isn't very large, but size isn't everything.
Oven capacity - 17 litre - This is great if this is all the space that you need, it will house a large dinner plate and medium size casserole dish. Max approximately 270 mm diameter.
POWER RATING ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
800 Watts is pretty powerful for a small, cheap microwave. It certainly heats well enough and fast enough.
OVERALL APPEARANCE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wasn't too bothered about the overall appearance of the microwave but was lucky that the one I purchased matches other apliances in my kitchen. It is a very basic silver/grey epoxy powder coated appliance with two large knobs on the front, one for timing and one for temperature.
The vent is on the top, which is handy as it keeps the appliance junk free.
Basically that is all there is to the appearance of this appliance, what you see is what you get. Photographs below.
CONTROLS ~~~~~~~~~~
Timer Control - The timer has to be turned clockwise manually and then anti clockwise back to the preferred time. Although you can't set it to exact seconds, it goes up in increments of a half minute all the way up to ten minutes. Then in increments of one minute markings up to a maximum of thirty minutes.
Traditionally as the timer sounds to indicate that it has finished cooking, you get the usual 'ting!'
Temperature Control - The temperature control has six different settings.
High - 100% power output Medium high - 85% power output Medium - 66% power output Defrost - 48% power output Medium low - 40% power output Low - 17% power output
PACKAGING ~~~~~~~~~~
The microwave oven came in a very sturdy box which was hard to open due to the plastic ties around the box, the extremely wide clear sticky tape and huge staples.
After opening the box, I found that it was a two man job to remove the appliance.
Firstly because the packaging was so sturdy and polystyrene packaging so compact, I couldn't manage to hold the appliance with its slippery polythene bag and remove it at the same time.
Secondly, all microwave ovens are heavier on one side than the other which also makes it very difficult as it is seems lopsided. At 13.7 kg / 30.14 lbs, it really is a dead weight if you are as small as me.
CONTENTS ~~~~~~~~~
One microwave oven Glass microwave tray Roller ring to rest glass tray User guide
There is a helpline to ring if any items are missing. 020 87873111
USER GUIDE ~~~~~~~~~~~
Wahey! A user guide that is written in legible English so that you don't have to hunt for the English section.
It is very straight forward and easy to follow and understand.
Although it doesn't state in the user guide to wash the appliance before use, I would reccommend that you do as these appliances may have been stored in warehouses for months. They are also made in factories where I personally wouldn't choose to eat my dinner.
EASE OF USE ~~~~~~~~~~~
Simple and easy to use, even for my Mum. Nothing to programme, just on/off and temperature control.
CLEANING ~~~~~~~~
Should be wiped clean inside and out with a damp cloth (when power is switched off).
Clean inside after each use to remove any spillages. Do not use anything harsh just a mild detergent and soft cloth.
The glass tray should only be removed and washed when really necessary, with warm soapy water. Do not remove and wash too often because they are very expensive to replace if they get broken.
MAINTENANCE ~~~~~~~~~~~~
This should only be carried out by a suitably competent person, the oven light may need to be replaced, to do this consult the dealer.
COOKING ~~~~~~~~
I only ever use the oven to cook scrambled eggs which come out the same as any other microwave oven.
I sometimes sweat onions in it on full power with a little water.
I mainly use this appliance to heat or reheat food and find it extremely satisfactory and fast.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Power consumption - 1200 watts AC 230V - 50 HZ
Frequency - 2450 MHz
CONCLUSION ~~~~~~~~~~~ Overall a quality appliance, I am very pleased with it. It was cheap without being shoddy and is reliable.
very helpful
very helpful
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
